Loose-head prop, James Kubasu will finally earn his first Kenya XV start this Sunday 20th August 2017 at 4pm when the Simbas descend onto the RFUEA grass to take on Hong Kong. Kubasu, who has been knocking on the door for the past 2 months is pleased. “I am very grateful for this opportunity. I remember travelling all the way to Uganda & spending 80 minutes on the bench. I was also included in the Nairobi leg of the Elgon Cup fixture but didn’t enjoy the best of play time. I missed out of the Kenya vs Tunisia, Senegal, Zimbabwe & Namibia matches but didn’t drop my head. Consistent in training is what I credit this start to. The onus is now upon me to prove to the technical bench that I am made of the right material.”
Tight-head Prop Dennis Karani missed the trip to Zimbabwe & Namibia due to exams but is available to start for the Simbas this Sunday. Lock Simon Muniafu & flanker Kerre Eric have been rested. Many Resolution Impala Saracens fans would have expected to see Samson Onsomu wear the number 9 jersey, but he starts off the bench. Centre – Seje Owade has been rested but there is an interesting inclusion to the Kenya XV backline: The ageless Vincent Mose is back in Nairobi & will start at full-back.
Starting XV
1.James Kubasu (Resolution Impala Saracens) 2.Philip Ikambili (Homeboyz) 3.Dennis Karani(Resolution Impala Saracens) 4.Emmanuel Mavala (Homeboyz) 5.Oliver Mangeni (KCB) 6.Elkeans Musonye (Strathmore) 7.George Nyambua(captain – Kabras) 8.Edwin Machanje (Mwamba) 9.Lyle Asiligwa (Kenya Harlequins) 10.Biko Adema (Nondies) 11.Alex Olaba (Strathmore) 12.Brad Owako (Mwamba) 13.Patrice Agunda (Kenya Harlequins) 14.Dennis Muhanji (Kenya Harlequins) 15.Vincent Mose (Resolution Impala Saracens)
Reserves
16.Peter Karia (KCB) 17.Oscar Simiyu (KCB) 18.Bramwell Mayaka (Homeboyz) 19.Ronnie Mwenesi (Nondies) 20.Steve Otieno (Homeboyz) 21.Samson Onsomu(Resolution Impala Saracens) 22.Kenny Andola (KCB) 23.Benjamin Marshall (Nondies)
